Start your path today to becoming a Sports Authority! Be prepared to work as a coach, facilities manager, athletic director and sports coordinator.
What you’ll study
The Sports Administration major exposes students to practical and theoretical aspects of the various components related to the administration and management of sport facilities, programs, and businesses. This program will provide an in-depth study of the sports industry and equip students with the knowledge and skills that are useful within a variety of related fields. Students will learn sports administration ethics, organizational management, sport facility and event management, communication of sporting events, and other topics related to the field.
Students will develop the necessary skills to communicate effectively, which is an essential skill needed in the sport profession. Through coursework and hands-on learning students will be able to professionally interact in any sport setting. The major requires all students to complete an internship, which enables them to only gain experience, but also network within the industry.
Faculty & Staff
Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.
NC Wesleyan will help you succeed in this profession and give you the skills and applied learning experiences that is required in this ever-growing sports industry.
The Sport Administration Major incorporates a mixture of Business focused courses and sport-concentrated courses. The blend provides students with the opportunity to apply the needed skills and knowledge to sport-related careers. Course options are provided to students based on their specific sport-related career interests.
Here are some highlighted courses included in the Sports Admin Major:
SPT 315: Ethics and Current Issues in Sport
A survey of current research and ethical concerns in the realm of the sports industry. This course reviews values and standards of ethical behavior as it relates to all levels of the sports industry. Current articles, texts, and discussions on ethical behavior is sport will be used. In today’s world with cameras everywhere, it is important to be able to make quick ethical decisions. Understanding appropriate ethical behavior and applying to various sport-related aspects is a critical skill needed in any profession.
SPT 320: Leadership and Athletic Administration in Sport
The major emphasis is on the preparation of athletic administrators and sport managers within collegiate university, high school, community and youth sport organizations. Information presented in this course will examine leadership theoretical concepts to help prepare students pursuing a career in athletics management/administration. Through critical thinking component and practical application exercises, the student will apply leadership theories, principles and concepts. Ultimately, the student will develop essential leadership competencies and skills for today’s athletic administrators. The course examines the decisions made by Athletic Administrators and what information guides them in the decision-making process (ie budgeting, staffing, game management, and travel to name a few)
SPT 320: Leadership and Athletic Administration in Sport
The major emphasis is on the preparation of athletic administrators and sport managers within collegiate university, high school, community and youth sport organizations. Information presented in this course will examine leadership theoretical concepts to help prepare students pursuing a career in athletics management/administration. Through critical thinking component and practical application exercises, the student will apply leadership theories, principles and concepts. Ultimately, the student will develop essential leadership competencies and skills for today’s athletic administrators. The course examines the decisions made by Athletic Administrators and what information guides them in the decision-making process (ie budgeting, staffing, game management, and travel to name a few)
SPT 415: Coaching Theory & Methodology
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the coaching profession. Emphasis is placed on sport at the high school and serious club levels. Consideration is also given to coaching at other levels, such as youth, recreational, and intercollegiate sport programs. The primary goal of the course is to develop and enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts and techniques of coaching and their application to achieving important objectives in working with athletes. The instructional format and schedule for the course closely follow the organization of the textbook for the course, Successful Coaching, Fourth Edition by Rainer Martens. The course and textbook combine sport science theory and research with the practical knowledge and methods of expert coaches in the five essential categories of coaching education and professional practice. Principles and practical applications are presented and thoroughly explained for each of these five important dimensions of coaching.
What are the courses like in Sports Administration at NCWU?
Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s Sports Admin Program.
The Sport Administration Major incorporates a mixture of Business focused courses and sport-concentrated courses. The blend provides students with the opportunity to apply the needed skills and knowledge to sport-related careers. Course options are provided to students based on their specific sport-related career interests.
Minors: Students can pursue a minor in Sports Administration by completing 18 hours in major courses. Students must take SPT 205, 315, 335, & 345, plus 6 hours from the electives.
Coaching Certifications
As part of the minor and Sports Administration major, Students will be offered our Coaching Theory Course which can lead to a formal Certification through Coaching Education in Human Kinetics. Once completed, each coaches information is then included in the National Coach Registry (NCR).
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
There are a vast number of career opportunities that can be obtained with a degree in Sport Administration. Completing the SPT 421 Internship requirement enables students not only the opportunity to gain real-world experience, but students will also be able to network with other people in their sport-related area.
Sports Administration Career Options
- Coaching
- Parks and Recreational Programs
- Professional Sports (tickets, sponsors, marketing, etc.)
- Athletic Director
- Sports Organization Director
- Game Day or Event Management
- Facility Management
- Athletic Facility Manager
Students can also continue their education with a Master’s degree while working in the field through Graduate Jobs at Colleges and Universities. Graduate jobs could include coaching, intermural sports, sports information, recreational depts., and event management to name a few.
Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU’s Sports Administration major? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!
24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Smarthinking, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.
Student Organizations
Be engaged at NCWU!
Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
